Smith steps up rehab

Lee Gaskin, AFL Media
Dec 13, 2017 4:54PM

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Brodie Smith of the Crows goes off injured during the 2017 AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the GWS Giants at the Adelaide Oval on September 07, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media)

Adelaide defender Brodie Smith has returned to running following a knee reconstruction.

In what is a significant milestone in his rehab, the 25-year-old was running with the help of an anti-gravity treadmill at the Crows' West Lakes headquarters on Wednesday.

It's just over three months since Smith ruptured the ACL in his right knee in the Crows' qualifying final victory against Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval on September 7.

The typical recovery period for a torn ACL is between nine and 12 months, meaning there is a chance Smith could return near the end of the 2018 season.

Smith is a crucial player for the Crows with his run and carry off half-back and his ability to break the lines with his booming kicks. He has played 143 games for the Club since being drafted with the 14th overall pick in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.